Bremen State Police Post Won't Close
By Stacey Creasy
BREMEN � Even though they were never on any short list, the personnel at the Indiana State Police Bremen Post are breathing a little easier now that Gov. Frank O�Bannon has canceled plans to shut down three facilities.
O�Bannon announced last year three posts would be closed permanently to help balance the state budget.
The announcement came after the Governor asked civilian Indiana State Police employees eligible for early retirement to leave the force early. Some were happy to retire while others could not afford it.
Suspicions were raised last year when the commanding officers of two Indiana State Police Posts in Redkey and Seymour were promoted but were not replaced, leaving speculation regarding the future of the posts.
Those suspicions did not pan out.
The Bremen Post covers Marshall, Elkhart, Kosciusko and St. Joseph counties.
Officials with the Indiana State Police said Bremen was in a good located, covering several metro areas, but the post could have had its coverage area expanded if another post in the region would have closed.
There are 18 posts in the state, each post covers a four- to six-county region.
Supt. Melvin Carraway has said on several occasions all 18 posts were on the table. Carraway is relieved the posts will remain open since additional demands have been put on the Indiana State Police in the past 12-18 months.
The Indiana State Police have been forced to use officers to form crystal methamphetamine lab response teams. Area Indiana State Police teams have been trained for the duty.
The 2003 General Assembly session has begun. There has been no talks of cuts within the Indiana State Police or closing posts.
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